Accept the fact that your teen could be sexually active: No matter how much we deny that our precious babies could be sexually active, the reality is what it is. No amount of wishing it away is going to change that fact. You're better off accepting reality and approaching them with love and compassion, than making their sex life about how good a parent you are -- or aren't.

After reading Lisa Bloom's "How to Talk to Little Girls," I put a lot of effort into steering my comments away from children's looks. But a recent article on Slate called "How to Talk to a Woman Without Saying 'Great Boots'" was a reminder that it's not just little girls who need to be told they're worth more than their big blue eyes and stylish attire.

Every day, our daughters are bombarded with lies. Ask any parent what they want most for their kids. The fallout from these lies is all around us. We are raising a generation of girls who hate their bodies and therefore hate themselves. Chances are, they'll say "For them to be healthy and happy." A girl who hates her body is neither.

I don't think that complimenting a little girl on her looks chips away at her self-esteem. I cannot see how simply telling a girl she's pretty somehow translates into telling her she's not pretty enough.

The reality of being called "mom" or "dad" means that you're gonna have to bend the truth somewhat. The lies parents tell their kids range from the ridiculous to the sublime. These lies can range from a simple white lie to a real doozy. It's all just a matter of scale. Whatever it takes, right?

As Canadian girls grow up, they're told time and again that they can be whoever they want to be. The reality is far less ideal. Despite having more educational opportunities than ever, many girls are still confronted with violence and low self-esteem - sometimes with grave consequences.

Whether your daughter asks about shaving, getting her period, wearing makeup or having sex, you should be thoughtful and understanding even if you are uncomfortable. Do not change the subject, make her feel ashamed for asking, or tell her she is too young for such talk.